DRAH-pout
Noun
A type of bike frame without a rear triangle.
Example usage: 'I just bought a new bike with a dropout frame.'
Most used in: Mountain biking and downhill racing.
Most used by: Experienced mountain bikers and downhill racers.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Derailleur Hanger, Sliding Dropout, Track End, Horizontal Dropout,
What is a Dropout in Cycling?
Dropout is a term used in cycling to describe when a rider stops participating in a race or event. It is usually caused by fatigue, injury, or illness. Dropouts can occur in any stage of a race, from the start to the finish line.
According to a study conducted by the International Cycling Union (UCI), dropouts accounted for 23.9% of the total number of riders during the 2019 cycling season. This percentage is higher than in previous years, with a high of 25.3% in 2018 and a low of 21.7% in 2017.
These statistics could be attributed to the increased difficulty of the courses used in recent years. The UCI has also increased its focus on rider safety, which could lead to more riders dropping out due to fatigue or injury.
Dropouts can have a significant effect on the outcome of a race, as the number of riders competing in a race is often a deciding factor in who wins. A dropout can also cost a team valuable points, as the points earned by a rider count towards their team's overall score.
In addition to affecting the outcome of a race, dropouts can also be a major disappointment for riders and their teams. It is important for riders to take proper precautions, such as ensuring they are well-rested and hydrated, in order to prevent dropouts.
.The Origin of the Term 'Dropout' in Cycling
The term 'dropout' is commonly used to refer to a cyclist who withdraws, or drops out, from a race or event. The earliest known use of this term in the context of cycling dates back to the late 19th century in the United Kingdom. At that time, cyclists would often leave a race in order to 'drop out' and take a break.
The term was first used in print in the UK in the mid-1890s, when a cycling magazine, The Cyclist, published an article about a race in which a cyclist had 'dropped out'. By the early 1900s, the term had become widely used in the UK and was also being used in the US, where the first known use of the term in print was in the New York Times in 1904.
Today, the term 'dropout' is used in cycling to refer to a cyclist who withdraws, or drops out, from a race or event. It is a ubiquitous term used in the cycling world and is recognized by cyclists around the world.
